How to Soften Brown Sugar
They say brown sugar is healthier and just as delicious as white sugar, but there’s one thing that’s troublesome about this product: it hardens. If not stored properly, brown sugar becomes rock-hard, which can b annoying, especially if you need it immediately. Don’t worry, because there are quick and easy solutions to this cooking dilemma.
What You’ll Need:
Sugar
Air tight container
Fresh bread
Water
Plastic bag
Foil or plastic wrap
Paper towel
Clay
Microwave or oven
Food processor or blender
Hand grater
Put In A Slice Of Fresh Bread
If you have a loaf of fresh bread in your kitchen, your problem is solved. Bread can bring back the sugar’s moisture, making it soft again. Put the sugar in an airtight container, then get a slice of fresh bread and place it on top. Seal the container and leave overnight. It will be soft and fresh the next day, but if not, replace the bread with another fresh slice, then let sit for another day. This bread technique is one of the most commonly used methods to soften brown sugar, but it’s only ideal if you have a day or two to spare.
Add Some Apple
A few slices can help prevent the sugar from hardening or soften it, if it’s already hard. Just like bread, if you place a fresh slice of apple in the brown sugar’s container, it will soften. You’ll also need a couple of days for this tactic, though. It’s also a preventive method, just remember to keep changing the apple slices.
Moisten It
Moistening the brown sugar with water helps soften it. Get the hardened sugar, sprinkle some water on it, then put in a plastic bag. Allow it to sit for two days or so. Another tactic is to cover the sugar’s top with plastic wrap or foil, then put a damp paper towel on the foil or wrap. Put in an airtight container, seal and leave for a few days. When the towel is dry, the sugar will be moistened and soft again.
Try Clay
Using clay is also a well-known sugar softening tactic. If you have a clay disc or pieces of clay pottery in your home, soak it in water for 30 minutes or some. Dry it so it won’t drip, the put it in the container with the sugar. Seal properly. After a few days, the sugar will be as fresh as you want it to be.
Microwave The Sugar
Most people realize their brown sugar has hardened only a few minutes before they need to use it. If you encounter this dilemma, the best and quickest solution would be to use the microwave. Put it in a microwave safe container, cover, then microwave for at least 30 seconds.
Another option is to use the oven. Put the sugar in a baking pan or baking sheet, then bake for five minutes at a 250 degree Fahrenheit temperature.
When using these tactics, though, make sure you don’t melt or burn the sugar.
Blend It
Another quick, but messy way to solve your sweet dilemma is to grate or blend the rock hard sugar pieces. Grate the sugar with a hand grater that creates small granules. You can also put the sugar in a blender or food processor, then chop pulse it, until it’s granulated again.
Brown sugar makes your dishes and desserts sweet and tasty, but using if not softened appropriately, it can be a lot of trouble. By following these tips, though, you won’t have to worry about this dilemma anymore.